Local governing bodies: FAQs

Get answers to the common questions around local governing bodies (LGBs), so you’re clear on what your board might look like if it joins a multi-academy trust (MAT).

Last reviewed on 11 May 2022
School types: Academy · School phases: All
Ref: 30938
Contents
  1. What's an LGB?
  2. How much power does an LGB have?
  3. What are governors on an LGB called?
  4. Do governors' terms of office end on becoming local governors?
  5. Do parent and staff governors need to stand for re-election on becoming an LGB?
  6. Can trustees appoint parent or staff local governors?
  7. Do parent and staff roles change on becoming an LGB?
  8. Can a staff member be made an ex-officio member of the LGB?
  9. Can trustees also be local governors?
  10. Can the chair of trustees also be chair of an LGB?
  11. Can MAT central staff sit on an LGB?
  12. Can the clerk of one LGB be a local governor on another LGB in the same MAT?
  13. Does the 'LA-influenced' restriction apply to LGBs?
  14. Can LGBs appoint associate members?
  15. Do alternative provision (AP) academies in a MAT have LGBs?
  16. Can LGBs meet when the MAT board is no longer quorate?

Throughout this article we refer to the model articles of association. Be sure to check the articles of association of the MAT you’re considering joining just in case they differ from the models.

If your school is going to academise, set up your governors with our induction training for LGBs, so they can feel confident in their role from day 1.

How much power does an LGB have? The power an LGB has depends on what the board of trustees delegates to it. This is set out in a document called the schemes of delegation. If you’re joining an academy trust it’s a good